Key Points:
- Cassie Donegan (NY) wins Miss America 2026.
- Emma Terry (AL) 4th runner-up; Kennedy Holland (AR) top 11.
- Focus on service and advocacy.
The Miss America 2026 pageant, held in Orlando on September 7, ended with Cassie Donegan of New York being crowned the new Miss America. Donegan’s victory adds another milestone to New York’s pageant history, as she stood out in a competitive field of delegates from across the country. The event featured talent, evening gown, and interview rounds before narrowing down to the final five, where Donegan secured the coveted crown. Her poised presence and standout performance cemented her place as the latest face of the Miss America legacy.
Alabama and Arkansas Contestants Impress
Emma Terry, representing Alabama as Miss Hoover, delivered a strong performance throughout the Miss America 2026 competition. Rising from the top 11 semifinalists to the final five, Terry ultimately earned the title of fourth runner-up. Her success highlighted Alabama’s continued strength in national pageantry and reinforced the state’s tradition of producing top-tier contestants.
Arkansas also celebrated a notable achievement as Kennedy Holland, competing as Miss Metro, advanced to the top 11 semifinalists. A student at the University of Central Arkansas, Holland, used the national stage of Miss America 2026 to highlight her initiative, Compassion Legacy, which advocates for accessible recreational spaces. Her performance drew attention not only to her poise but also to the impact of her platform, reflecting the competition’s broader mission of service and advocacy.
A Legacy of Pageantry and Purpose
New York’s win at Miss America 2026 further strengthens its reputation as one of the most successful states in the Miss America competition, adding to a long line of victories in the pageant’s history. Alabama also maintained its tradition of producing strong contenders, with Terry’s placement showcasing the state’s ongoing influence in the event. Meanwhile, Arkansas continued its steady presence on the national stage with Holland’s semifinalist finish, a reminder of the state’s history of titleholders and competitive edge.
The newly crowned Miss America, along with her fellow finalists, will embark on a year of service, scholarship, and advocacy. Donegan will take on the national role of promoting her chosen initiatives, while contestants like Terry and Holland return to their states with heightened recognition for their efforts. Together, their journeys underline the Miss America organization’s evolving role as a platform that combines elegance, achievement, and meaningful community impact.
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